Statistics show one out of every 880,293 flights ended in an accident. Aviation accidents are among the most tragic events, often resulting in devastating consequences for victims and their families.
These accidents can happen without warning and may lead to severe injuries, long-term health issues, or even loss of life. The emotional, physical, and financial impact on families is immense, leaving them challenging.
The various factors involved make aviation accident cases particularly complicated. Unlike car accidents, which usually involve two drivers, aviation accidents often involve multiple parties at fault—pilots, airlines, manufacturers, maintenance crews, and even air traffic controllers.
Getting justice and compensation requires a deep understanding of aviation laws, regulations, and technicalities.
At Patterson Law Group, our best aviation accident lawyer in San Antonio, we are committed to helping victims and families experiencing the aftermath of these accidents. Our team has the knowledge and experience to help guide you through this challenging time and ensure you get the support and compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Aviation Accidents
Aviation accidents can happen for various reasons, including human error or mechanical problems. Some of the most common causes include:
- Pilot Error: Pilots are highly trained but still human, and mistakes happen. Whether it’s a lapse in judgment or failure to follow proper procedures, pilot error is one of the leading causes of aviation accidents. Our aviation injury lawyer in San Antonio has seen how these errors can have devastating consequences.
- Mechanical Failures: Aircraft are complex machines that require regular maintenance. When things like engines or essential systems fail, it can lead to a tragic accident. Faulty equipment or improper maintenance can quickly turn a flight into a disaster.
- Weather Conditions: Severe weather, such as fog, storms, or high winds, can make flying dangerous. Pilots and airlines must make decisions to avoid risky conditions, but sometimes, despite their best efforts, weather-related accidents occur.
- Air Traffic Control Errors: Air traffic controllers guide planes, ensuring they take off and land safely. However, miscommunication between pilots and controllers can lead to confusion and collisions, often with fatal results.
- Manufacturer Defects: Sometimes, an accident is not the fault of the pilot or crew but due to a defective part in the aircraft. These design flaws can cause mechanical failures, making the manufacturer responsible.
- Negligent Maintenance: Aircraft need constant and detailed upkeep to ensure they are flight-ready. If maintenance teams do not perform their duties properly, accidents can result that could have been prevented.
Types of Aviation Accidents
Aviation accidents come in various forms, each with its own set of challenges:
Commercial Airline Crashes
These accidents make headlines—major airline crashes with numerous passengers onboard. These cases involve multiple parties, including airlines, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies.
Private and Charter Plane Accidents
Smaller planes may not carry as many passengers, but the legal challenges are just as serious. Charter flights are subject to different regulations, which can complicate legal cases.
Helicopter Accidents
Helicopters have different flight patterns and risks than airplanes. They fly at lower altitudes and in tighter areas, leading to unique legal and safety challenges.
Drone Accidents
As drones become more common in the skies, accidents involving these devices have increased. Drones can interfere with other aircraft or even crash into people or property, raising new legal questions.
Liability in Aviation Accidents
Determining who is responsible for an aviation accident is often complex, as many parties could be liable:
- Airline or Aircraft Operator Liability: If the airline or operator failed to follow regulations or maintain safety standards, they could be held responsible for the accident.
- Manufacturer Liability: The manufacturer might be liable if a defective part or design flaw caused the accident. These cases often involve detailed investigations into the aircraft’s components.
- Pilot Liability: In cases where the pilot made an error, they could be held responsible, especially if their actions directly led to the accident.
- Air Traffic Control: Air traffic controllers are vital in ensuring safe flights. If an error on their part leads to a crash, they could be held liable, whether they are government employees or private contractors.
- Other Liable Parties: Maintenance crews, suppliers, or airport staff could also share responsibility if their actions contributed to the accident.
Legal Rights of Aviation Accident Victims
Victims of aviation accidents have the legal right to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. This includes not just physical injuries but also financial burdens and emotional trauma. Our top-rated San Antonio aviation accident lawyer is dedicated to helping you understand your rights and pursue compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Aviation accidents often result in severe injuries that require extensive medical care, both immediate and long-term.
- Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: Due to their injuries, victims may be unable to work for an extended period or even permanently.
- Pain and Suffering: Beyond the physical impact, victims also have the right to compensation for the emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs: Recovering from an aviation accident can take months or even years, requiring costly rehabilitation.
- Funeral Expenses (in Wrongful Death Cases): If a loved one lost their life in an aviation accident, families could seek compensation for funeral costs and other related expenses.
How Our San Antonio Aviation Accident Attorney Can Help
At Patterson Law Group, we understand that aviation accident cases require careful handling. We know this is a difficult time for you, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Here’s how we can help you:
Investigating the Accident
Aviation accident cases are complex, requiring thorough analysis and evidence gathering. Our team conducts a thorough investigation, looking at flight data, technical reports, and witness testimony to build a strong case.
We leave no detail overlooked, ensuring we understand exactly what went wrong. We know how crucial it is to find the cause so we can fight for the justice you deserve.
Identifying Liable Parties
Multiple parties could be responsible for the accident. Our aviation accident attorney near San Antonio will carefully identify everyone involved to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. Whether it’s the airline, the plane manufacturer, or even maintenance crews, we’ll pinpoint who should be held accountable. This way, no one can avoid responsibility for what happened.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to settle cases for less than they’re worth. We will negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you get a fair deal. You shouldn’t worry about being pressured into a low settlement while recovering. We’ll handle the back-and-forth with the insurers to ensure you’re treated fairly and compensated properly.
Pursuing Legal Action
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our no-win, no-fee San Antonio aviation accident lawyer will take your case to court. We will fight for justice for you and your family. Going to court can seem scary, but we’ll be by your side, ensuring you understand every step of the process and what to expect. Your well-being and recovery are our top priorities.
Court Representation
Should your case go to trial, our attorney will represent you, presenting evidence and ensuring the court hears your story. We’ll fight for your rights, ensuring that the truth comes out and the responsible parties are held accountable. You can trust that we’ll stand up for you, ensuring your voice is loud and clear in the courtroom.
Why Choose Patterson Law Group?
Choosing the right lawyer is essential after an aviation accident. Here’s why Patterson Law Group is the right choice for you:
- Experience in Aviation Accident Cases: We have handled numerous cases, giving us a deep understanding of the laws and technicalities involved. Our best aviation accident lawyer in San Antonio knows how to handle even the most challenging cases.
- Proven Results: We’ve helped many clients get the compensation they deserve. Our track record of success speaks for itself.
- Personalized Care: Every case is unique, and we treat it as such. Our top-rated San Antonio aviation accident lawyer will give your case the attention it deserves, ensuring you’re not just another file on the desk.
- Dedication to Justice: We believe in fighting for what’s right. Our team ensures victims and their families receive justice and fair compensation.
Call Our San Antonio Aviation Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been affected by an aviation accident, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Patterson Law Group today for a free consultation with our aviation accident attorney near me in San Antonio. We will discuss your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the first steps toward justice and compensation.
Our no-win, no-fee San Antonio aviation accident lawyer is here to fight for you, ensuring you can focus on healing while we handle the legal battle. Reach out to us now, and let us guide you through this difficult time.